Climate change is a huge problem that is causing damage to our planet. Here are the key points this article will cover:
- In 1992, a 12-year-old girl spoke at the UN Earth Summit to warn about climate change
- She asked world leaders to stop harming the environment before it’s too late
- Young activists like her are desperately trying to create change that adults aren’t making
Does it seem wild that a kid had to tell grown-ups to fix their mistakes? Read on to learn more.
A Kid Speaks Up
In 1992, a young girl named Severn Suzuki got a rare chance to address some of the world’s most powerful leaders. At only 12 years old, she spoke to the United Nations about the threat of climate change.
Severn knew precisely why she was there. She wanted to warn the grown-ups to stop damaging the planet before it was too late. Here is part of what brave Severn said:
“Losing my future is not like losing an election or points on the stock market. I am fighting for my future. I have dreamt of seeing the rainforests and animals, but now I wonder if they will exist for my children.”
Her words hit hard. Severn challenged the world’s adults to make changes to protect the environment for future generations.
People in the audience listened closely to Severn’s sincere message. She spoke clearly, expressing her fears about inheriting a damaged planet. Security guards and world leaders alike paid attention.
It was a fantastic moment – a young girl grabbing the spotlight to champion a hugely important cause. She wasn’t afraid to push uncomfortable truths onto influential people.
Youth Activists Making Noise
Severn reflects that young activist Greta Thunberg is continuing her mission today at an even bigger level. Greta has built a massive global movement pushing for climate reforms.
However, as Severn notes, young people have always been the driving force for positive changes. Kids see possibilities that weary adults have given up on. With climate change such an urgent threat, we desperately need that youthful energy and optimism.
Severn emphasizes that while kids can raise awareness, adults are the ones who must take real action. She told the United Nations:
“I am only a child. I don’t have solutions, but you don’t either. Please stop breaking it if you don’t know how to fix it.”
Her words bluntly call out the leaders’ risky behaviors destroying the environment. She truly challenges them to live up to their responsibilities.
A Dire Warning
In her speech, Severn labeled climate change as an “intergenerational crime.” This powerful phrase captures how the selfish actions of today’s adults will harm the children of the future.
Severn warns that the planet will become unlivable if we solve climate change quickly. This is a dark reality we absolutely must avoid.
The good news? Severn believes we already have the solutions but must commit to implementing them globally immediately. Every industry and individual needs to use their skills to ditch fossil fuels and go green.
A Simple Request
In closing, Severn says her whole speech can be summed up by asking one simple thing:
“I challenge you; please make your actions reflect your words.”
This request addresses the core issue. Too many leaders and nations talk about caring for the planet but then act in contradictory ways that only make the problem worse.
Young activists like Severn are begging for real, meaningful change before it’s too late. When will the adults start genuinely listening to the children’s cries to save their future?
